MY 5 FITNESS GUIDELINES

Exercise is an excellent way to improve your overall health and well-being. Evidence has shown that physical activity can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve circulation, boost energy levels, improve mood, strengthen muscles and bones, and so much more!

I get asked a lot of questions about my fitness regime, so today I’m breaking it down into 5 categories. Nutrition, consistency, variety, mindfulness, and rest are all important aspects to me for a healthy fitness routine.

1. NUTRITION

The food you eat plays a critical role in how you feel, what results you see, and your energy levels throughout your workout. It’s important to make sure you are fuelling your body properly to match your level of fitness. Each and every single one of us is unique, therefore, we all require different nutritional needs to properly fuel. What my body needs to stay strong, healthy, and happy might be much different than what your body needs. If you are unsure of where to begin with nutrition, seeking professional guidance is important— a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist is someone who can help educate and guide you in the right direction. If you’re looking for any recommendations just send me an email and I’ll be happy to help you out! For me personally, I focus on incorporating a lot of quality protein, healthy fats, and fibre into my diet. It helps keep me fuelled for hours and leaves me feeling balanced. If I’m hungry and need to eat something before a workout, it’ll be something small like a banana for quick energy, and for post-workout it’s always a plant based protein powder blended with a healthy fat like almond butter and water or almond mylk.

2. CONSISTENCY

Schedule in a few days a week as “workout days” in your calendar wherever it fits best for you. If you have things that pop up during your week, shift your workouts around to accommodate you. Some days I have a solid hour I can dedicate to exercise, other days I have 30 minutes. On my shorter workout days I still make it count by upping my intensity. Consistency is important for feeling and seeing results— getting exercise in 4 days straight, then taking 2 weeks off will not benefit you as it would if you exercised a consistent amount of days, for example 3 to 4 days spread throughout your week.

3. SWITCH IT UP

I love trying different forms of exercise, it helps me see what works for me and what doesn’t. It is important to be physically active in ways you enjoy, this way you are more likely to stick to it. Explore different styles of fitness to see what you are most drawn to. You don’t have to do what everyone else is doing! Find exercises you enjoy, ones that make you feel challenged and like you are breaking a sweat. Some days I’ll be in the gym, or outside in nature on a hike, while other days I’ll be hitting up a workout class. These are all different approaches to fitness that I enjoy, making it easy to switch up my routine and stay committed.

4. MINDFULNESS

I always check in with myself. Our thoughts impact our body and our state of mind connects us to our workout. For example, you can easily go pick up some weights or jump on a treadmill and mindlessly get through the workout, or you can really consider the muscles you are working out or the way you carry yourself while you run. Pay attention to your energy, are you feeling any aches or pains? Is your body mechanics in check? Becoming more mindful with your workouts can really help you understand your body’s needs and limitations which also helps prevent injury. Next time you head to the gym, or go for a run, or hit up an awesome yoga class, check in with where your mind is at and how you are truly feeling.

5. CHILL OUT

Rest days are necessary! I like to incorporate rest days into my week, some days I’ll do an “active” rest day where I might do something low-impact like a light walk or stretch yoga. Rest is important for mental health, energy, and results. Additionally, it improves recovery time and helps you feel more energized throughout your week. Rest is crucial for giving your muscles a break, allowing them to rebuild and strengthen for your next sweat sesh! Listen to your body and know when to rest. Fitness shouldn’t burn you out, so make sure to take it easy sometimes to avoid any burnout.

What sort of regimes do you build around fitness? Comment below and let me know what habits help keep your fitness in check. Have an amazing day!